Former Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential aspirant Kamala Harris was warmly welcomed at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, receiving numerous standing ovations and enthusiastic applause while attending the event to accept the prestigious Chairman’s Award.
Harris, seated beside her husband Doug Emhoff, was introduced by Leon W. Russell, the chair of the NAACP board of directors. Russell praised her determination and resilience during her presidential campaign, where she rose to the forefront of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. “Against impossible odds, she gave America a campaign that was a force of nature,” he remarked. “No one else could’ve accomplished what she did, and no one else is more deserving of our gratitude.”
Despite ultimately losing the general election to Republican candidate Donald Trump, Harris secured over 75 million votes during her approximately 100-day campaign. As speculation surrounds her political future, there are discussions of her possibly running for California governor in 2026 or even considering another presidential run in 2028. Since leaving office last month, she has been involved in aiding Los Angeles communities in recovering from devastating wildfires.
Russell commended Harris for being a “leader on the causes that truly matter, a strong voice for the powerless, and a fighter for all of us,” emphasizing her lasting impact on future generations. Following a video highlight of her career, he noted her as the “first woman from our community” to be nominated by a major political party for the presidency and thanked her for offering a “promise of a new dawn and better tomorrow.”
When Harris took the stage adorned in a black pantsuit, she was met with yet another standing ovation. Identifying herself as a “proud lifetime member of the NAACP,” she spoke about the organization’s historical significance, reflecting on the struggles it faced during its inception.
“This organization emerged during a time when our country was grappling with greed, bitterness, and hatred,” she stated. Addressing the audience, she acknowledged the current challenges, urging them to remember the power of organization, mobilization, education, and advocacy. “Our strength flows from our faith—faith in God, faith in each other, and our refusal to surrender to cynicism and destruction,” she affirmed.
Harris urged the audience to recognize their role in shaping the American narrative, noting, “This chapter will not be written simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office or by the wealthiest among us. The American story will be written by you, by we the people.”
In closing, her remarks resonated with the gravitas of a seasoned political leader: “God bless you, and may God bless America.”
The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who have displayed exceptional public service and utilized their platforms to effect meaningful change. Previous honorees include notables such as Samuel L. Jackson, Tyler Perry, and former President Barack Obama.
The 56th NAACP Image Awards took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, hosted by Deon Cole, with the ceremony being broadcasted on BET and CBS.
